Auto Body Repair Techniques Program's Vital Courses
It is commonly known that most auto body
schools expect students to already be working in the field as
apprentices. That's why Centennial College's Auto Body Repair Techniques
is such a unique opportunity. All this alternate route requires of its
applicants is: possession of at minimum an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older; as well
as the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.
Another thing to set the program apart
from other auto body schools is that, in 2001, the Canadian Automotive
Repair and Service Council (CARS) unanimously endorsed its full
compliance with the national industry standards. The program has been
re-accredited until 2014. This accreditation ensures that students know
the training they receive to become auto body apprentices, apprentice
painters, service advisors, appraisal trainees and parts technicians is
both recognized and respected. Additionally, an active Program Advisory
Committee provides insights on current industry developments and
practices to the coordinators of the Auto Body Repair Techniques
program. As such, students become comfortable with essential skills such
as welding using MIG and oxy-acetylene equipment, repairing automobile
bodies and preparing them for painting, auto body and frame repair,
refinishing procedures and related mechanical systems.
The insights from the committee have
lead to the Auto Body Repair Techniques program offering courses
approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that are
modelled on the apprenticeship in-school program. This structure sees
40 per cent of students' schedule being dedicated to hands-on practice
time. Here are three of the most vital courses offered in this Auto Body
Repair Techniques program:-
Computers For Autobody Technicians :-
Autobody work and communication with customers is becoming more
computerized, so this essential Auto Body Repair Techniques class
provides students the computer skills required for coping with basic
personal and work related computing requirements. Specifics include:
managing Windows based software, producing Word-processed documents,
navigating the Internet, communicating via e-mail and producing computer
generated autobody repair estimates.
Applied Mechanical Systems :-
Presented in three advancing courses, this Auto Body Repair Techniques
class begins by teaching students the operating principles of batteries,
electrical systems, testing meters and headlight assemblies as well as
tires and their construction. They then learn fuel supply systems, and
the operation of the engine cooling systems and components. In addition,
air condition system repair and testing is covered with emphasis on
removal, replacement and disposal of components. Finally, the last
semester of this Auto Body Repair Techniques course looks at gas metal
arc welding with special reference to aluminum components.
Body and Frame Repair :- Again, presented in three advancing classes, this Auto Body Repair Techniques course
begins with an overview and introduction to all aspects of vehicle
construction, major body sections, driveline configurations, and bumper
system. It then continues to assessing and performing appropriate body
panel and assembly repairs, as well as dismantling, inspecting,
repairing, and reassembling reinforced rigid plastic-bodied vehicles.
Finally, this Auto Body Repair Techniques courses wraps up with more
advanced techniques and procedures for performing damage analysis and
repair using standard alignment equipment.
To graduate, Auto Body Repair Techniques
students must achieve a minimum D grade in all subjects with an overall
GPA of 2.0. Students finish auto body school program with an Ontario
College Certificate recognized by the auto industry and the opportunity
to apply credits toward their apprenticeship requirements.
